In this episode, Colleen shares how our habitual thoughts are often attempts to solve emotional problems and regulate our nervous systems. She dives into her own experience of stress-induced burnout, driven by hyper-focus on business analytics, and the creative stagnation it caused. By recognizing these patterns, Colleen highlights how to reset with small, intentional habits that prioritize self-care and help you regain balance and creativity.

Key Takeaways:

• Thoughts as Habits:
  • Most of our thoughts are habitual patterns developed to solve emotional discomfort.
  • Your brain is constantly seeking control and certainty, often at the expense of creativity and emotional balance.
• The Brain’s Narrative:
  • Thought processes aim to regulate your nervous system by telling a story that makes you feel safe.
  • These narratives, while comforting, can sometimes keep you in a stress loop.
• Burnout and Creativity:
  • Chronic stress, often self-inflicted by overworking or overthinking, depletes creativity and leaves you feeling stuck.
  • Small habits like reading, exercise, or mindfulness breaks can help shift you into a more relaxed and creative state.
• Breaking the Cycle:
  • Identify the problem your brain is trying to solve and examine the emotion driving it.
  • Ask yourself, "Is this thought process leading to a regulated nervous system, or is it just a hamster wheel?"
  • Reintroduce simple, grounding habits that support balance and mental clarity.

Action Steps:

1. Pause and Reflect: Notice your thought patterns and ask, "What emotional need is my brain trying to solve?"
2. Interrupt the Hamster Wheel:
   • Step outside the loop of habitual thinking and assess whether your current actions are helping or hindering your emotional well-being.
3. Start Small:
   • Set a micro-goal to reintroduce a habit that supports creativity and calm, like reading for 10 minutes, taking a phone-free break, or practicing deep breathing.
4. Be Patient:
   • Building new habits takes time. Celebrate small wins and trust that your efforts will compound over time.

Homework: Notice a habitual thought process or pattern that keeps you stuck or stressed. Reflect on the emotion driving it and ask yourself if there’s a better way to meet that need. Experiment with a small, intentional habit that redirects your focus and supports a more regulated nervous system.

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